£4k budget - 90 or Range Rover Classic?
Discussion
Ever since I learnt to drive in my dad's 110, I've always had a soft spot for Land Rovers, and I've recently been thinking about getting one for pottering around town in, and getting my own back on everyone who cuts me up when I'm in the Tuscan 
I'd also use it to tow my race car when I can't borrow my dad's Freelander, and possibly do a bit of off-roading in it.
I'm also a big fan of Range Rovers, and have been very pleased to discover that it looks like you can get pretty good examples of both the 90 and RR for the amount of money I'd be looking to spend (around £4k). I've seen quite a few RR 3.9 Vogues from 93/94 for under £4k, which look like very good value.
I'd like to go for a V8 if possible, and I was wondering if anyone had any pointers for things to look at, or recommendations for specialists to go to.
The 90 wins bonus points for being small, cheeky and has less to go wrong, but the RR wins points for being an auto (for all the time spent sitting in traffic), is much more comfortable, and so would be more enjoyable when doing the 4 hour drive to Pembrey! The main downside is really the size and increased risk for things to go wrong, although I'm more than happy to work on it myself.
I don't mind niggles like mirrors not working etc, but I'd like to try and avoid getting something that breaks down completely and lands me with big bills.
Any comments would be appreciated!
I'd also use it to tow my race car when I can't borrow my dad's Freelander, and possibly do a bit of off-roading in it. I'm also a big fan of Range Rovers, and have been very pleased to discover that it looks like you can get pretty good examples of both the 90 and RR for the amount of money I'd be looking to spend (around £4k). I've seen quite a few RR 3.9 Vogues from 93/94 for under £4k, which look like very good value.
I'd like to go for a V8 if possible, and I was wondering if anyone had any pointers for things to look at, or recommendations for specialists to go to.
The 90 wins bonus points for being small, cheeky and has less to go wrong, but the RR wins points for being an auto (for all the time spent sitting in traffic), is much more comfortable, and so would be more enjoyable when doing the 4 hour drive to Pembrey! The main downside is really the size and increased risk for things to go wrong, although I'm more than happy to work on it myself.
I don't mind niggles like mirrors not working etc, but I'd like to try and avoid getting something that breaks down completely and lands me with big bills.
Any comments would be appreciated!
Go for the Range Rover, just avoid the ones with air
supension as they are fine when working but a costly fix. for everyday driving the range rover clasic is a very good drive on the road and as good as a defender of it (without the front spoiler)
the ones build from 1991 had alot of improvements to the supension which makes a big difference to the handling.
as for maintince cost this is one of the cheepest cars i have owened (appart from fuel 18mpg),
Apart from an engine rebuild most of the parts are very cheep and you can do it yourself.
as for pricees i have just braught another RR from ebay
a 1992,104k for only £1300!!!
supension as they are fine when working but a costly fix. for everyday driving the range rover clasic is a very good drive on the road and as good as a defender of it (without the front spoiler)
the ones build from 1991 had alot of improvements to the supension which makes a big difference to the handling.
as for maintince cost this is one of the cheepest cars i have owened (appart from fuel 18mpg),
Apart from an engine rebuild most of the parts are very cheep and you can do it yourself.
as for pricees i have just braught another RR from ebay
a 1992,104k for only £1300!!!
What are the major areas that go wrong on the RR? Apart from the air suspension, is there anything else that is expensive/difficult to fix?
I'm guessing that even engine/gearbox rebuilds aren't too horrendous as there should be plenty of specialists who deal in these?
Realistically, will a 94 RR with ~100k miles under it's belt be reliable enough to leave parked on the street for 2-3 weeks at a time, then get me 1/2 way across the country with > 1 ton hitched to the back?
Although I like the RR, my girlfriend still prefers the 90, so I may end up going for one of those anyway!
I'm guessing that even engine/gearbox rebuilds aren't too horrendous as there should be plenty of specialists who deal in these?
Realistically, will a 94 RR with ~100k miles under it's belt be reliable enough to leave parked on the street for 2-3 weeks at a time, then get me 1/2 way across the country with > 1 ton hitched to the back?
Although I like the RR, my girlfriend still prefers the 90, so I may end up going for one of those anyway!
ehasler said:
Realistically, will a 94 RR with ~100k miles under it's belt be reliable enough to leave parked on the street for 2-3 weeks at a time, then get me 1/2 way across the country with > 1 ton hitched to the back?
Although I like the RR, my girlfriend still prefers the 90, so I may end up going for one of those anyway!
If the oil and water/antifreze is changed every 6 months, grease all the joints and a decent battery it will go on for years.
as for the 90 we all love them but for the money you are spending you will just about buy a very well used 200tdi and a very well used landy has had a very hard life! to get a tidy landy you need to spend about 10K
just my opinion of course
farmeryellow said:Really? I thought that most Landies actually lived pretty pampered lives (our old one certainly did!)? I've seen quite a few decent looking examples for sale for that kind of money too, although whether they are actually any good under the skin is another matter. I agree I'd probably be looking at the bottom of the pile of the 200tdi, but I'm more interested in the V8 anyway, and similar age to the RR, so I was assuming similar condition.
as for the 90 we all love them but for the money you are spending you will just about buy a very well used 200tdi and a very well used landy has had a very hard life! to get a tidy landy you need to spend about 10K
just my opinion of course
Saying that, I've not looked at any yet, so will take heed of your advice!
My view, for what it is worth. Go with your heart, be patient and what you want will turn up. Me... it was a V8 90 and a 1988 original low mileage sweetie turned up after 1 year of looking and 6 months of searching ...oh yea! and £4K!. If you love a rugged 90 don't accept a RR. If you want to feel superior and want to cruise go RR.......but don't rush...she is there Trefhead
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